Baking With Applesauce & Oats

by Grace Wathen

Oats and applesauce are often used as healthy substitutes in baking. Applesauce is a good source of potassium and can be used to substitute high-fat ingredients. Oats in many forms, such as oatmeal, oat flour, and oat groats can be used in baking as a healthier substitute for white flours. Oats and applesauce can also be used as additional ingredients to add more texture and moisture.

1. Applesauce as a Substitution

Applesauce is often used as a healthier baking substitute for ingredients high in fat, such as butter and canola oil. Applesauce can also be used in place of eggs to make a recipe vegan, or animal-product-free. Applesauce adds the same moisture and binding elements eggs, oil and butter bring, but with a much lighter texture. As a general rule, substitute about 1/4 cup of applesauce for each egg; replace oil or butter with equal amounts of applesauce. Because applesauce is sweet, you can also slightly lower the amount of sugar in the recipe. Using a few tablespoons of applesauce as an addition to a recipe can make the end product more moist.

2. Oats as a Substitute

Several oat products are used in baking to add texture to a recipe. For example, rolled oats and oatmeal give cookies a heartier and chewier texture. Oat flour is a product made by grinding down oat groats and is useful as a substitute in gluten-free baking. Also, oats are a healthier substitute for recipes that call for bread crumbs.

3. Oat and Applesauce Cookies

Healthy and delicious cookies are easy to make using oats and applesauce. The applesauce keeps the cookies moist, and the oats add a little texture. Start a base for the oats and applesauce by mashing up 2 or 3 ripe bananas. Then you can add the oats and applesauce along with ingredients such as dried fruit, chocolate chips, and nuts or seeds. For a little extra flavor, add cinnamon or vanilla. Bake the cookies in an oven set to 350 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes.

4. Oat and Applesauce Muffins

Muffin recipes commonly call for oil or butter to give them a rich texture, but this is what makes muffins so high in fat. By omitting most of the butter and oil and replacing it with a cup of applesauce, you end up with a healthier muffin that is still moist. Adding oats to muffin recipes can add health benefits. Simply add a 1/4 cup of oatmeal to the batter or sprinkle some on top of the muffins before baking them.